Which would be the first best ruler should I buy?

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I am a beginner and have been collecting things I may need to get started. I am nervously book marking hoarding threads, needles and material and still think I am lacking something. My next purchase would be a ruler and a cutting board which would be the best? I can't wait to get started

I think (personally) a 6 x24 or 6x12 ruler.. 6 x 24 will allow you to cut the width of fabric (wof) when you are straightening the ends. For squaring blocks a 6 inch square or what ever size works for the block you are making. Each block has to be cut square after sewing so you want to do that as easily as you can. You can start with a few basic rulers but rest assured, you will have a collection in no time! Mats, get as big as you have room for and can afford. They are expensive. Never store leaning and never store in the hot sun. They will distort and you will cry.

I did start with a 6x24 ruler, but now that I have an 8x24, I use it the majority of the time. Also, I highly recommend the Creative Grids brand. It is easy to read the markings, and the ruler has "grippers" built right in that help prevent slippage while you're cutting.

On the banks of the Mississippi River in north central Minnesota (Brainerd lakes area)

I am with you MNnancy, the ruler that I use the most is the 8x24". I have a 6x18', but always head for the larger one. It seems easier to control and covers most of what I want. Other than that, I like the 41/2'squareandthe12 1/2" square rulers. Ginny

I also use an 8" x 24" ruler. It is the first ruler I reach for when cutting. It seems the majority of blocks I make are 12 1/2" square so I use my 12 1/2 " square ruler a great deal and I also use a 6 1/2" ruler for squaring up block units before stitching together. It's smaller and easy to use. I really like Fiskars mats. They come in many colors and sizes - I use a light green one and a yellow one. I started out with the Omnigrid dark green but find I have trouble seeing dark colors on it accurately. Go to your local fabric or quilt stores and check out what they have. Actually take a mat out of their stand up rake and lay it on a flat surface to really see if it is to your liking for size, color and surface markings. They won't mind and you won't end up with something you don't like when you get it home.

Don't forget when buying a mat you will want to straighten the ends of your fabric. if you buy bolt runs it will be folded in half coming off the bolt so to straighten it , it's great if the mat is 24 inches

I really like Fiskars mats. They come in many colors and sizes - I use a light green one and a yellow one. I started out with the Omnigrid dark green but find I have trouble seeing dark colors on it accurately.

I've never thought of that. I may have to look at a Fiskars next time I need a new mat. Thanks!

On the banks of the Mississippi River in north central Minnesota (Brainerd lakes area)

I started patchwork "quilting" last year. The only advise I can give you is to start with a small project. A large project for a beginner will be overwhelming. I went from potholder to placemats, table runner to a small crib quilt. I'm now working on a queen size quilt. The only thing I have really mastered is the seam ripper.

hi terry, welcome to the group. creative grid rulers, I use my 8 x 24 the most, we tend to make more twelve inch blocks when we start quilting so a 12 inch square ruler would be helpful. I don't have a preference for brand on mats, but my yellow one is easier to use in low light conditions